2. analog
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More output from Analog set up, MC Transformer?

I am pretty happy with my set up of Origin Live Oasis S/Illustrious/ Koetsu Rosewood Signature into a Clearaudio Reference phono stage, Conrad johnson Premier 17, Pass labs Aleph 3, Living Voice Avatar speakers, cabling is Acoustic Zen. i am happy with it, but the Clearaudio is rated at 57db of gain and the CJ needs the wick cranked up to 50 to 60/100 for a good output.
The koetsu is rated at .6mv of gain, I am not convinced, I feel it is probably lower. The sound lacks a little oomph. The set up is detailed and polite and that's the way I like it, but the analog sound is a little too polite. I do'nt want to change the basic set up, it makes a great sound, but do you think an MC transformer would give the sound a bit more grunt, if so which? Presumably I only need 10 to 20db of extra gain. Am I completely on the wrong track, looking to a transformer to improve things? Thanks for any advise
david12
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Once again, Thomas brings common sense to the table...
tbg
5,263 posts
 
I am presently using the only transformer that is an exception to the above post by Thomasheisig. It is the Auditorium 23 which is distributed by http://www.shindolabs.com/pages/1/index.htm. It is designed, I think, only for the Denon 103 and the Ortofon SPU. I use it with the Ortofon and will never go back to just a high gain phono stage.
gregadd
574 posts
 
Insufficient gain in the phono stage can be a major cause of a lean sound.we all want to keep our signal path as simple as possible. I currently use the quicksilver transformer. I have tried to get rid of it by switching to solid state, hybrids, high efficeincy speakers... it usually only results in louder but lean sound. Cj continues to refuses to make a high gain phono section hovering around the 46-56db range. This frustrates the hell out of me.maybe they know something. Lo output mc's beat the hell of high output mc's. Amplification distorts (it also magnifies noise). the more you amplify the more you distort. This mandates a transformer. In the past I have overstated the need for a transformer. I am currently using a lo output benz glider with a cj premier 12a(46 db). I temporarily switched from inefficient maggies to a high efficiency mini monitor. I took out the transformer. It played loud but lean.

Have I conducted a shoot out with a top notch pre-pre amp?No. The "quickie" does it for me. Idealy you would want a preamp with the necessary gain. But if you love your current preamp a transformer is the way to go.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,018 posts
 
Dear Tbg: +++++ " I use it with the Ortofon and will never go back to just a high gain phono stage. " +++++

Which one or which ones high gain phono stages are you talking about?

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
I am using the H-Cat phono and presently an Exemplar tube line stage. The H-Cat has MM and MC inputs with 40 and 60 db of gain respectively. There are provisions for a load from 47K ohms down. With the transformer, I am using 47K although it would prefer 100K. Without it and on MC, I use a 100 ohm load as recommended.
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